The other night Lilie had one of her little friends over to play.  The little girl’s mom came over and told her she needed to come home for dinner.  Before I knew it, Lilie had scooted off with them {we basically share backyards}. I sent the mother a message to send Lilie back home.

Lilie comes home, I explain why she needs to wait until they’re finished eating before playing again.  Then Billy pokes in.  “I don’t think they do dinner the like us.”  What?  What’s that supposed to mean? “I mean, I don’t think they all sit around the table or anything.  They just sit wherever and eat.  Usually in front of the tv.”

Oh.  Well, ok.

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this, lately.  In fact, I don’t know if I know of anyone {other than my grandparents} that does still gather around the table for dinner.  No one even makes an effort.  Apparently, its just whatever.

Or maybe some how along the way, I’ve just become old fashion.

Gasp.

But why?!  Is it just laziness?  Do people not realize why its important? Or maybe they just don’t really care.

So, just in case you or maybe someone you might know is one of the innocents that just doesn’t realize the benefits, I’ve put together a list of why I think you should try to start incorporating this family habit.

• Bonding & Communication –> Turning the tv off and gathering around the table gives ample time for talking aka getting to know each other.
• Manners –> Dinner time is also the perfect time to teach the kids some table manners.  As frequent as they seem to be used, these days, your little one will shine during dinner parties and outings.
• Nutrition –> Everyone knows eating out is not just unhealthy for your wallet, but your body, too.  And who doesn’t want healthy kids?
• Knowledge –> Kids these days are totally missing out on the planning and preparation of meals.  So, what happens when they leave the nest?  They continue the same eating habits they’ve had.  Dinner at home together and a great way to instill this knowledge and habit.
• Research –> Studies show several ways this can be beneficial.  Kids are less likely to smoke, drink, do drugs and have higher academic performance.  Girls have more physical confidence and are less likely to have eating disorders.
• Money –> You wouldn’t believe how much money can be saved by just fixing dinner at home with your family.

So, what legitimate reason do we have to not eat dinner together?  I certain can’t think of any.  And maybe we are old fashion, at least in this department.  But you know what?  I don’t give a hoot.

Won’t you join me?  Let’s take back dinner time.  Lets bring our families to the table again, whether they like or not.  They’ll learn to like it.  The results are more than worth it.

Where do you stand on this topic?  Do you eat together or no?  How do you feel about the situation?